Edstar101 Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 The amazing start to this season has raised the question of what was the best Saints team between the current squad and the team of 1998/1999. It is always difficult to compare and we will never know what the outcome would be if the two teams faced off against each other whilst both still in their prime. In true newspaper stylee, thought I would look at a comparison between the two likely starting line ups and subs Alan Mannus v Alan Main Couldn't start any harder!! Main was a terrific keeper in his prime, capable of miraculous saves. Mannus is proving to be one of the best keepers in Scottish football at the moment, more steady and reliable as opposed to 'flare' though. At the moment, would have to go for Main...but that could change after this season!! Dave Mackay v John McQuillan Super Dave at a canter Tam Scobbie v Alan Preston Scobbie has still to win over some doubters in the fans ranks. For me, he has a great ability to read a game and has excellent positional sense. Preston though probably edges it Frazer Wright v Darren Dods No contest....big Fraz Steven Anderson v Alan Kernaghan Ando only loses out here because Kernaghan was pure class Chris Millar v John O'Neill Both similar players in stature. O'Neill shades it for me Paddy Cregg v Paul Kane Real heavyweight bout!! Kano has to take it on points Murray Davidson v Nick Dasovic Can only call this one a draw Nigel Hasselbank v Miguel Simao Again, very similar in stature and also in style. I would like to think that Nige will go on to make voting for him easy Steven MacLean v Roddy Grant Okay, Rodders was in the twilight of his career and had lost any pace he never had....but, how could I not vote for him!! MacLean to me is the most technically gifted player at the club this season Stevie May v George O'Boyle Stevie will have to go some to even get near George at his best Subs / Others Callum Davidson v Gary Bollan Wouldn't fancy a 50/50 with either of them, although Gary was probably just that bit more mental. He doesn't get near CD for class though Brian Easton v Nathan Lowndes Let's wait and see shall we Liam Caddis v Keith O'Halloran Caddis is a great prospect and wins this hands down BrechinSaintee 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixties saintee Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Man for Man would think Willies team would shade it Ed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edstar101 Posted August 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Man for Man would think Willies team would shade it Ed They can play the winners auld reekie saint 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ex-montrosesaintee Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Based on the last three games, Paddy over Kano for me please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rik2304 Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Paul Kane had a better eye for a pass than Paddy and was more of a goal threat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rik2304 Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Wee Miguel was a class act through and through. Did quite a bit in the community as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LondonSuperJ Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 They can play the winners Reckon it would be a close run thing these days, after all most of Ormond's team are in their 60's and 70's now! auld reekie saint 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ex-montrosesaintee Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Paul Kane had a better eye for a pass than Paddy and was more of a goal threat. Paddy had the whole Rosenborg midfield in his pocket. Best performance I can remember seeing from a saints midfielder. I did say based on the last three games. On last seasons performance Kano would edge it for me, but I remain hopeful that we are seeing the new improved Paddy Cregg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lochwinnochsaintee Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Didn't watch many games in 1999, just those that were televised but I would rate Simao higher than Hasselbaink, if he managed to score with his break against the run of play in Monaco, who knows the course of that encounter might have been completely different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chips Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Alan Mannus v Alan Main Where Main in his prime was a brilliant shot stopper his kicking throughout his career was shocking,i always cringed at any passbacks.Im very impressed with Mannus so for now Mannus gets my vote. Dave Mackay v John McQuillan Mackay for me,Dave has a better all round game and is easily utilised. Tam Scobbie v Alan Preston Tam has a wee bit to go before he reaches Prestons ability but he'll get there Frazer Wright v Darren Dods Wright all the way,Dods was good for own goals and looked like a pair of scissors when he tried to run Steven Anderson v Alan Kernaghan Kernaghan,you could see why he was rated once in the million quid bracket.Ando's having a brill time the now though Chris Millar v John O'Neill Calling a draw here,there really isnt much seperating them. Paddy Cregg v Paul Kane Paddy is a workhorse where Kano probably edged it on the skill level,close call but i'll take Kano for now Murray Davidson v Nick Dasovic Dasovic played his best football with us but Davidson is our little gem with lots more to prove and offer,draw Nigel Hasselbank v Miguel Simao Like others i dont think we've seen the best of Hasselbank yet consistently wise,so its Simao Steven MacLean v Roddy Grant Rod the bod wins hands down. Stevie May v George O'Boyle Stevie just starting out in the top team but could go on to be a major player if his potential is anything to go by,for his proven record O'Boyle will be first in line Callum Davidson v Gary Bollan Davidson by far the more technically gifted,although Bollan would run through a brick wall without stopping,Davidson edges it. Brian Easton v Nathan Lowndes As it stands Lowndes Liam Caddis v Keith O'Halloran Caddis will be the better given a little more time So i score it 5 to the recent,two draws and seven to the legends,but the potential we have now could well overthrow that as the season progresses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyle Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 I think the 98/99 team were better technically, but this team would probably outwork them into submission. It wouid be some match though! Nold 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chips Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 I think the 98/99 team were better technically, but this team would probably outwork them into submission. It wouid be some match though! Yeah agree with that,the work ethic and mental strength we have in the team now is brilliant,as i already said we also have players who have yet to reach their full potential where as the 98/99 team were mainly at their peak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rik2304 Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Better finishers in the 98/99 side. They would shade it one nil. I wish we could mix and match that team with todays side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhq Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Out of the 4 left backs, Calum in his prime would get it. Based on where each of the 4 were/are in their careers, then I would have Bollan in there - he was immense in that season. Pretty much agree with anything else that's been said - including the comments about the attitude and work-rate of the current team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueheaven Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Have to say, I think that individually the 98/99 team wins it in every department - and by quite a significant distance in some areas. The only one from the current team who might just edge it is Fraser Wright over Darren Dods. Also Mannus is bloody good but I wouldn't say he's proven himself to be better than Main just yet. But I also think the main thing both teams have in common is that, as a unit, they amount to far more than the sum of their parts. And I've never seen any group of Saints players who show so much team spirit and willingness to battle for the cause as the current team. Because of that they're an absolute joy to watch - not because they're outstanding footballers, but because every single one of them puts in everything I want to see from a player as a fan. Even Hasselbaink has shown an incredible attitude and workrate this season - there's not a single passenger or Big Time Charlie among them. Wullie Broons Golf bag and Edstar101 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AthensSaint Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 John O'Neil was an immense player for us. Never stopped running backwards and forwards all game. I was gutted when we lost him to Hibs. Not saying Midge isnt any good like. HOODLUM65 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhq Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 John O'Neil was an immense player for us. Never stopped running backwards and forwards all game. I was gutted when we lost him to Hibs. Not saying Midge isnt any good like. I'd agree with that. O'Neil would be close to being the best individual in either squad to be honest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajs Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 I am thoroughly impressed my Nigel so far this campaign but i will properly judge him when we are playing on a Wednesday December night at Inverness Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edstar101 Posted August 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 I am thoroughly impressed my Nigel so far this campaign but i will properly judge him when we are playing on a Wednesday December night at Inverness He must really be impressing you for you to refer to him as "my Nigel" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AthensSaint Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 He must really be impressing you for you to refer to him as "my Nigel" well we all remember your quotes about him last season, Ed ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixties saintee Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Reckon it would be a close run thing these days, after all most of Ormond's team are in their 60's and 70's now! The older the fiddle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lethamsaintee Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 The 98/99 team were on their day capable of utterly battering teams. Think back to Motherwell 5-0, Aberdeen 4-1 and the like. They were equally capable off a few off days but probably edge it on footballing ability over the current crop. That said, the boys playing now are probably the best 'unit' I've ever seen play for Saints and as a group can achieve something great I reckon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rik2304 Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bFNh16rPVGI Main wins Best.Keeper.Ever blueheaven 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Saints Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bFNh16rPVGI Main wins Best.Keeper.Ever Flapper! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOODLUM65 Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Eh? No fixture this season against them in December on a Wednesday night. Nearest we'll get is November 23 at 1500 unless match is postponed due to the weather conditions and is re-scheduled for December midweek. However, you may still get your wish. Will you be there though? I am thoroughly impressed my Nigel so far this campaign but i will properly judge him when we are playing on a Wednesday December night at Inverness Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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